szép munka
[ˈseːp ˈmuŋkɒ]word by word
The English phrase "good job" is translated into Hungarian as szép munka.
szép munka is used to praise someone for their efforts or for completing a task well. While it is a direct way to offer praise, it is often used in more formal or structured settings (like a teacher to a student or a boss to an employee) rather than as casual slang between friends.
Meaning: a phrase used to praise for a good job or efforts (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase szép munka literally translates to "beautiful work".
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'it was a good job' or 'you did a good job' in the past tense, you add the verb volt (was) after the phrase.
Did you know?
- The word munka in szép munka actually comes from a Slavic word meaning 'torture' or 'torment'.
- If you want to sound even more natural when praising a job well done, you might use the word bravo, which Hungarians have adopted from Italian.
- If a Hungarian wants to say someone did a 'great job' with high enthusiasm, they might use the word szép in a sarcastic tone to actually mean the opposite.
Examples in context
- Szép munka volt, Jamal.You've done a good job, Jamal.This sentence shows how to use szép munka in the past tense to tell someone they did a good job.Tatoeba #5818425 by maaster, translation #5818270 by OsoHombre
- Szép munka!Good job!This sentence shows a direct exclamation of praise using szép munka.Tatoeba #4535384 by juliusbear, translation #1021038 by Quazel
- Igen, jó munkát végeztél.Yes, you did a good job.
- Nagyon ügyes vagy!You're very skillful!
Example conversation
László is checking Katalin's completed project report.
- LászlóKatalin, bevégeztem a felülvizsgálatot.Katalin, I have finished the review.
- KatalinMinden rendben volt a jelentéssel?Was everything okay with the report?
- LászlóIgen, szép munka!Yes, good job!
- KatalinKöszönöm szépen, László!Thank you very much, László!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (szép, munka) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries munka, szép, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
